Manchester United decide against launching Paul Pogba red card appeal with midfielder set to miss derby

Paul Pogba will miss Sunday’s Manchester derby after Manchester United chose not to appeal against the midfielder’s three-match domestic suspension,

Pogba received a straight red card during the second half of Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Arsenal for a reckless challenge on Hector Bellerin.

United had until 1.00pm on Monday afternoon to challenge referee Andre Marriner’s decision and at his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with CSKA Moscow, manager Jose Mourinho remained coy on whether the club would lodge an appeal or not.

It was later confirmed, however, that United had decided against an appeal.

There were fears that Pogba could face an extended ban for sarcastically applauding Marriner’s decision moments after receiving the red card, but the midfielder will face no further punishment after this detail was not included in the official’s match report.

Pogba will now sit out of the derby against league leaders Manchester City on Sunday, as well as upcoming Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion.

While previewing CSKA’s visit, Mourinho denied suggestions that Pogba’s mindset could be affected by the sending off, even though it means the 24-year-old will miss his side’s most important fixture of the season so far.

“He’s very happy to play tomorrow. It’s the next match that matters,” the United manager said.

“He plays tomorrow, of course, a bit tired because it was a huge match last weekend and he has just two days to recover for CSKA. But very happy to play tomorrow and try to keep his momentum. Since he’s back from injury he’s been phenomenal.”